Here’s A Road Rage Survival Guide That’s Actually Useful

There are not many things scarier when it comes to driving than being the target of someone else’s road rage. How can you stay safe on the road when you’re put in the situation? Keep these tips in mind.

1. If someone is tailgating you, move over.

Creating a bit of distance between you and the thing that is annoying you will give both you and your car some breathing room to see things a little clearer.

There are right hand gestures to use in traffic and ones that your grandmother would smack you for using. When someone allows you to merge when they didn’t have to or slows because you need to change lanes and maybe don’t have quite as much room as you thought, give them a friendly wave letting them know you appreciate their acclimation.

3. Expect the unexpected.

Some people aren’t as considerate as you are when they drive. They cut you off in traffic, tailgate, run red lights and sit in their lane while texting even after the light turns green. Realizing that these things happen and practicing having a passive response to their indiscretions will help you arrive at your destination with lower blood pressure.

4. Be considerate.

Has a car ahead of you been trying to change lanes for some time? Is someone trying to exit a parking space? Help them out and give them space to do so. It will cost you very little time and effort, plus your fellow motorists will be thankful that you helped to keep the flow of traffic moving.

5. Use your horn as little as possible.

Use your horn as an alert in an emergency-like situation only, for example, to warn another driver if they are trying to move into a lane that you are occupying and are at high risk for a crash. A quick toot of the horn if someone is sitting at a green light is no problem. Honking your horn at lanes full of stopped traffic doesn’t help anyone.

6. Listen to music at a level you can’t hear outside of your vehicle.

While sharing is caring, it’s not very thoughtful to be blaring music at people who don’t want to hear it. Loud music can cause irritation, not just for drivers but also passengers, raising emotions and the risk of a road rage incident.

7. Avoid eye contact with other drivers.

If someone’s conduct behind the wheel upsets you, pulling up next to them and staring them down is not an approved tactic for ensuring you reach your destination safely.

8. Be a conscientious parker.

Whichever driver gets there first, gets the spot. It’s simple. Park between the lines, taking up only one space. If you aren’t a pro at parallel parking, don’t hold up traffic while you attempt it. It’s simple things like these that can escalate small issues into larger issues and road rage incidents.

9. Don’t retaliate.

If you find yourself as the victim of road rage, do what you need to do to protect yourself and not escalate the problem. If you are the victim of a crime or fear for your safety as a driver, do not hesitate to dial 9-1-1.

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